Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday with a refreshed attack built from a summer spending spree. The Gunners are aiming to build on last season’s semi-final finish, where they fell to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, while also pushing to end their trophy drought.
The London club came up short in the Premier League once again, finishing second for the third consecutive year. A lack of goals was a key reason for that setback, and manager Mikel Arteta moved quickly in the transfer window to add firepower.
Who are Arsenal’s new attacking signings?
Arteta brought in Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze to bolster his forward line. With Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus sidelined by early-season injuries, the recruits have already proven their value.
Madueke has stepped up impressively in Saka’s absence, while Gyokeres struck his third goal in four matches during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Eze made his full debut on the left wing in the same game, delivering the assist for Gyokeres. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi, another summer arrival, added two goals of his own to complete the performance.
Arsenal have now won three of their first four league fixtures, losing only to a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick at Liverpool.
What is Arteta’s challenge this season?
The pressure on Arteta continues to grow, with fans expecting silverware after years of heavy investment. “It doesn’t matter what we want to do, it is what we have to do,” the coach said as he prepared for a return to his home region of Bilbao.
One concern ahead of the Champions League opener is the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard, who limped off with a shoulder injury against Forest. Arteta confirmed his availability is uncertain: “We have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”
For Eze, Tuesday’s clash carries extra meaning. Released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old, he fought his way back to the club after excelling at Crystal Palace, where he played a starring role in their FA Cup-winning run last season. Now, the 26-year-old is preparing for his first taste of Champions League football.
“It’s fun for me. This is why I play football. These are opportunities that you want. This is it for me, so I am enjoying it as much as I can,” Eze said. “It is special and it’s not everyone that gets to experience these types of moments.”
With new energy in attack and a hunger to finally deliver European glory, Arsenal face Bilbao with momentum and ambition firmly on their side.
By Yockshard Enyendi
